Genesis 25:9
New International Version
His sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah near Mamre, in the field of Ephron son of Zohar the Hittite,

New Living Translation
His sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, near Mamre, in the field of Ephron son of Zohar the Hittite.

English Standard Version
Isaac and Ishmael his sons buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, east of Mamre,

Berean Standard Bible
His sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah near Mamre, in the field of Ephron son of Zohar the Hittite.

King James Bible
And his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, which is before Mamre;

New King James Version
And his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, which is before Mamre, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite,

New American Standard Bible
Then his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, facing Mamre,

NASB 1995
Then his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, facing Mamre,

NASB 1977
Then his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, facing Mamre,

Legacy Standard Bible
Then his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, facing Mamre,

Amplified Bible
So his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, which is east of Mamre,

Christian Standard Bible
His sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah near Mamre, in the field of Ephron son of Zohar the Hethite.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
His sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah near Mamre, in the field of Ephron son of Zohar the Hittite.

American Standard Version
And Isaac and Ishmael his sons buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, which is before Mamre;

English Revised Version
And Isaac and Ishmael his sons buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, which is before Mamre;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
His sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah in the field of Ephron, son of Zohar the Hittite. The cave is east of Mamre.

Good News Translation
His sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in Machpelah Cave, in the field east of Mamre that had belonged to Ephron son of Zohar the Hittite.

International Standard Version
His sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah near Mamre, in the field that used to belong to Zohar the Hittite's son Ephron.

NET Bible
His sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah near Mamre, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar, the Hethite.

New Heart English Bible
Isaac and Ishmael, his sons, buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron, the son of Zohar the Hethite, which is near Mamre,

Webster's Bible Translation
And his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, which is before Mamre;
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
His sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah near Mamre, in the field of Ephron son of Zohar the Hittite.

World English Bible
Isaac and Ishmael, his sons, buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron, the son of Zohar the Hittite, which is near Mamre,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And his sons Isaac and Ishmael bury him at the cave of Machpelah, at the field of Ephron, son of Zoar the Hittite, which [is] before Mamre—

Young's Literal Translation
And Isaac and Ishmael his sons bury him at the cave of Machpelah, at the field of Ephron, son of Zoar the Hittite, which is before Mamre --

Smith's Literal Translation
And his sons Isaak and Ishmael will bury him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron, son of Zohar the Hittite, which is at the face of Mamm;
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Isaac and Ismael his sons buried him in the double cave, which was situated in the field of Ephron the son of Seor the Hethite, over against Mambre;

Catholic Public Domain Version
And his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the double cave, which was situated in the field of Ephron, of the son of Zohar the Hittite, across from the region of Mamre,

New American Bible
His sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron, son of Zohar the Hittite, which faces Mamre,

New Revised Standard Version
His sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron son of Zohar the Hittite, east of Mamre,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the double cave, (Machpelah) which is in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, which is before Mamre;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Isaaq and Ishmayl, his sons, buried him in the double cave in the field of Aphron, son of Tsakhar the Khythite, that is before Mamreh;
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Isaac and Ishmael his sons buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, which is before Mamre;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Isaac and Ismael his sons buried him in the double cave, in the field of Ephron the son of Saar the Chettite, which is over against Mambre:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Death of Abraham
8And at a ripe old age he breathed his last and died, old and contented, and was gathered to his people. 9His sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah near Mamre, in the field of Ephron son of Zohar the Hittite. 10This was the field that Abraham had bought from the Hittites. Abraham was buried there with his wife Sarah.…

Cross References
Genesis 35:29
Then he breathed his last and died and was gathered to his people, old and full of years. And his sons Esau and Jacob buried him.

Genesis 49:29-31
Then Jacob instructed them, “I am about to be gathered to my people. Bury me with my fathers in the cave in the field of Ephron the Hittite. / The cave is in the field of Machpelah near Mamre, in the land of Canaan. This is the field Abraham purchased from Ephron the Hittite as a burial site. / There Abraham and his wife Sarah are buried, there Isaac and his wife Rebekah are buried, and there I buried Leah.

Genesis 50:13
They carried him to the land of Canaan and buried him in the cave at Machpelah in the field near Mamre, which Abraham had purchased from Ephron the Hittite as a burial site.

Genesis 23:19
After this, Abraham buried his wife Sarah in the cave of the field at Machpelah near Mamre (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan.

Genesis 15:15
You, however, will go to your fathers in peace and be buried at a ripe old age.

Genesis 47:30
but when I lie down with my fathers, carry me out of Egypt and bury me with them.” Joseph answered, “I will do as you have requested.”

Genesis 50:25
And Joseph made the sons of Israel take an oath and said, “God will surely attend to you, and then you must carry my bones up from this place.”

Exodus 13:19
Moses took the bones of Joseph with him because Joseph had made the sons of Israel swear a solemn oath when he said, “God will surely attend to you, and then you must carry my bones with you from this place.”

Joshua 24:32
And the bones of Joseph, which the Israelites had brought up out of Egypt, were buried at Shechem in the plot of land that Jacob had purchased from the sons of Hamor, Shechem’s father, for a hundred pieces of silver. So it became an inheritance for Joseph’s descendants.

Acts 7:16
Their bones were carried back to Shechem and placed in the tomb that Abraham had bought from the sons of Hamor at Shechem for a price he paid in silver.

Hebrews 11:22
By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites and gave instructions about his bones.

Matthew 8:22
But Jesus told him, “Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead.”

Luke 9:60
But Jesus told him, “Let the dead bury their own dead. You, however, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”

John 11:25-26
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies. / And everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?”

Acts 2:29
Brothers, I can tell you with confidence that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day.


Treasury of Scripture

And his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, which is before Mamre;

Isaac.

Genesis 21:9,10
And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, which she had born unto Abraham, mocking…

Genesis 35:29
And Isaac gave up the ghost, and died, and was gathered unto his people, being old and full of days: and his sons Esau and Jacob buried him.

in the cave.

Genesis 23:9-20
That he may give me the cave of Machpelah, which he hath, which is in the end of his field; for as much money as it is worth he shall give it me for a possession of a buryingplace amongst you…

Genesis 49:29,30
And he charged them, and said unto them, I am to be gathered unto my people: bury me with my fathers in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite, …

Genesis 50:13
For his sons carried him into the land of Canaan, and buried him in the cave of the field of Machpelah, which Abraham bought with the field for a possession of a buryingplace of Ephron the Hittite, before Mamre.

Jump to Previous
Buried Bury Cave East Ephron Facing Field Hittite Hollow Isaac Ishmael Ish'mael Machpelah Mach-Pe'lah Mamre Opposite Rest Rock Zoar Zohar
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Buried Bury Cave East Ephron Facing Field Hittite Hollow Isaac Ishmael Ish'mael Machpelah Mach-Pe'lah Mamre Opposite Rest Rock Zoar Zohar
Genesis 25
1. The sons of Abraham by Keturah.
5. The division of his goods.
7. His age, death, and burial.
11. God blesses Isaac.
12. The generations of Ishmael.
17. His age and death.
19. Isaac prays for Rebekah, being barren.
22. The children strive in her womb.
24. The birth of Esau and Jacob.
27. Their different characters and pursuits.
29. Esau sells his birthright.














His sons Isaac and Ishmael
Isaac and Ishmael, though half-brothers with different mothers, come together to bury their father, Abraham. This act of unity is significant, as it reflects a moment of reconciliation and respect for their father despite their past tensions. Isaac, the son of Sarah, represents the line through which God's covenant would continue, while Ishmael, the son of Hagar, is the forefather of many Arab nations. Their cooperation here can be seen as a foreshadowing of the eventual reconciliation of all peoples through Christ.

buried him in the cave of Machpelah
The cave of Machpelah is a significant burial site, purchased by Abraham as a family tomb. It is the first piece of the Promised Land that Abraham legally owns, symbolizing the beginning of the fulfillment of God's promise to give the land to his descendants. This cave becomes the burial place for the patriarchs and matriarchs of Israel, including Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah, Leah, and Jacob. The act of burial here signifies the importance of the land and the faith in God's promises.

near Mamre
Mamre is located near Hebron, a significant location in the biblical narrative. It is where Abraham built an altar to the Lord and where God appeared to him to reaffirm His covenant. The proximity of the burial site to Mamre underscores the connection to God's promises and the divine encounters that took place there. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the deep spiritual heritage of the patriarchs.

in the field of Ephron son of Zohar the Hittite
Ephron the Hittite sold the field and the cave to Abraham, as recorded in Genesis 23. The Hittites were a prominent group in the region, and the transaction is detailed to emphasize the legal acquisition of the land. This purchase is significant as it demonstrates Abraham's faith in God's promise, choosing to secure a burial place in the land promised to his descendants. The mention of Ephron and his lineage highlights the historical and legal context of the acquisition, ensuring that the burial site was rightfully owned by Abraham's family.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Isaac
The son of Abraham and Sarah, Isaac is the child of promise through whom God's covenant with Abraham would continue. He is a central figure in the lineage of the Israelites.

2. Ishmael
The son of Abraham and Hagar, Ishmael is considered the ancestor of many Arab nations. His presence at Abraham's burial signifies a moment of reconciliation and respect.

3. Abraham
The patriarch of the Israelites, Abraham is a key figure in the Bible, known for his faith and obedience to God. His death marks the end of an era and the continuation of God's promises through his descendants.

4. Cave of Machpelah
This burial site, purchased by Abraham, is significant as the first piece of the Promised Land owned by Abraham's family. It symbolizes the beginning of the fulfillment of God's promise to give the land to Abraham's descendants.

5. Ephron son of Zohar the Hittite
The original owner of the field and cave, Ephron's transaction with Abraham is a testament to Abraham's integrity and God's provision.
Teaching Points
Reconciliation and Unity
The joint burial of Abraham by Isaac and Ishmael serves as a powerful example of reconciliation and unity within a family. Despite past conflicts, they come together to honor their father, reminding us of the importance of family unity and forgiveness.

Faith and Legacy
Abraham's life and death underscore the importance of living a life of faith. His burial in the Promised Land is a testament to his unwavering belief in God's promises, encouraging us to trust in God's plan for our lives.

The Significance of Place
The cave of Machpelah is more than a burial site; it represents the beginning of God's tangible promises to Abraham's descendants. This teaches us about the importance of spiritual heritage and the places that hold significance in our faith journey.

God's Sovereignty and Provision
The purchase of the burial site and the peaceful resolution between Isaac and Ishmael highlight God's sovereignty and provision. We are reminded to rely on God's timing and provision in our own lives.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Genesis 25:9?

2. How does Genesis 25:9 demonstrate the importance of family unity in burial?

3. What does Isaac and Ishmael's cooperation teach about reconciliation among siblings?

4. How does Genesis 25:9 connect to God's promises to Abraham's descendants?

5. How can we apply the principle of honoring parents in our lives today?

6. What lessons on forgiveness can be drawn from Isaac and Ishmael's actions?

7. Why did Isaac and Ishmael bury Abraham together despite their past conflicts in Genesis 25:9?

8. What does Genesis 25:9 reveal about family reconciliation and forgiveness?

9. How does Genesis 25:9 reflect the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham's descendants?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 25?

11. What is the significance of the Cave of Machpelah?

12. Why does the narrative in Genesis 23 seem to contradict other passages suggesting Abraham freely inherited Canaan?

13. Where is the archaeological evidence for the field and cave Abraham purchased in Genesis 23:17–20?

14. What are the key events in Abraham's life?
What Does Genesis 25:9 Mean
His sons Isaac and Ishmael

Genesis 25:9 begins, “His sons Isaac and Ishmael….”

• After years of tension (Genesis 21:9-14), the half-brothers now stand side by side. The shared act of burying their father hints at reconciliation, echoing Proverbs 17:17, “A brother is born for adversity.”

• Isaac, the son of promise (Genesis 17:19), and Ishmael, recipient of his own covenant blessing (Genesis 17:20), together validate God’s faithfulness to both lines.

• Their cooperation fulfills the fifth commandment—honoring father and mother (Exodus 20:12)—long before it was carved in stone.


buried him

The verse continues, “…buried him….”

• Abraham “breathed his last and died at a good old age” (Genesis 25:8). Burial shows respect for the body God formed from dust (Genesis 2:7) and anticipates resurrection hope later clarified in Job 19:25-27 and 1 Corinthians 15:42-44.

• Scripture consistently notes family burials—Jacob asks to be buried with his fathers (Genesis 49:29-31), Joseph’s bones are carried from Egypt (Exodus 13:19)—underscoring continuity of covenant generations.

• The sons personally handle the burial, modeling responsible spiritual leadership later echoed by David for Saul (2 Samuel 21:12-14).


in the cave of Machpelah

“…in the cave of Machpelah….”

• This is the very plot Abraham purchased for Sarah in Genesis 23:17-20. The fully paid, legally recorded deed shows God’s promise of land (Genesis 12:7) already taking tangible form.

• Sarah (Genesis 23:19), Abraham (here), Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob, and Leah (Genesis 49:31; 50:13) will all rest here, turning the cave into a silent testimony that “the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable” (Romans 11:29).

• The permanence of the grave contrasts with Abraham’s pilgrim life (Hebrews 11:9-10), anchoring hope in a future homeland.


near Mamre

The text adds, “…near Mamre….”

• Mamre, close to Hebron (Genesis 13:18), was where Abraham built an altar to the LORD after separating from Lot, marking a high point of worship.

• Burying Abraham near Mamre links worship and legacy; the ground of past altars becomes the ground of future inheritance (Psalm 16:6).

• The location reminds readers that faith is lived out in specific places—real geography where God’s promises intersect daily life.


in the field of Ephron son of Zohar the Hittite

Finally, “…in the field of Ephron son of Zohar the Hittite.”

• Naming Ephron and Zohar identifies the transaction’s witnesses (Genesis 23:16-18). Scripture roots faith in verifiable history; legal boundaries underscore that God’s covenant interacts with public life (compare Jeremiah 32:10-15).

• The Hittite seller highlights that even pagans unwittingly serve God’s purposes, much like Cyrus later will (Isaiah 45:1-4).

• By resting in land legally his, Abraham prefigures Israel’s eventual possession under Joshua 21:43-45.


summary

Genesis 25:9 portrays more than a funeral; it showcases God’s covenant in action. Isaac and Ishmael, once estranged, honor their father together. A purchased cave anchors the family in promised territory, signifying that what God pledges He secures in history. The verse invites confidence that every promise—land, lineage, and life beyond the grave—stands solid, sealed by the same faithful Lord today.

(9) His sons Isaac and Ishmael.--Isaac was now seventy-five years of age, and Ishmael eighty-nine, and the two old men, with their enmity long over, metas friends at their father's burial. While Keturah's sons were apparently sent far away into Arabia, Ishmael at Paran (Genesis 21:21) would be at no very great distance from the well Lahai-roi, which was Isaac's favourite residence.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
His sons
בָּנָ֔יו (bā·nāw)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1121: A son

Isaac
יִצְחָ֤ק (yiṣ·ḥāq)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3327: Isaac -- 'he laughs', son of Abraham and Sarah

and Ishmael
וְיִשְׁמָעֵאל֙ (wə·yiš·mā·‘êl)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3458: Ishmael -- 'God hears', the name of several Israelites

buried
וַיִּקְבְּר֨וּ (way·yiq·bə·rū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 6912: To inter

him in
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

the cave
מְעָרַ֖ת (mə·‘ā·raṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 4631: A cavern

of Machpelah
הַמַּכְפֵּלָ֑ה (ham·maḵ·pê·lāh)
Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4375: Machpelah -- a place near Hebron

near
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

Mamre,
מַמְרֵֽא׃ (mam·rê)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4471: Mamre -- a place in Palestine, also an ally of Abraham

in
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

the field
שְׂדֵ֞ה (śə·ḏêh)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7704: Field, land

of Ephron
עֶפְרֹ֤ן (‘ep̄·rōn)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6085: Ephron -- a Hittite, also a mountain and a place in Israel

son
בֶּן־ (ben-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Zohar
צֹ֙חַר֙ (ṣō·ḥar)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6714: Zohar -- a Hittite, also two Israelites

the Hittite.
הַֽחִתִּ֔י (ha·ḥit·tî)
Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2850: Hittite -- a Chittite


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OT Law: Genesis 25:9 Isaac and Ishmael his sons buried him (Gen. Ge Gn)
Genesis 25:8
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